Earning a degree can be a life-changing experience, but the cost often creates a significant barrier. Western Governors University (WGU) understands this challenge. That’s why they offer a variety of scholarships to help students overcome financial hurdles and achieve their educational goals. Western Governors University (WGU) offers a variety of scholarships to help students afford their degrees. Learn about WGU scholarships and find the ones you qualify for.
Western Governors University (WGU) offers a variety of scholarships to help students offset the cost of their online degree programs. These scholarships range from general awards like the Master Your Future Scholarship to specific programs like the Become a Teacher Scholarship. Whether you’re a new student or a returning graduate, there may be financial aid available to help you achieve your educational goals. To be eligible, you’ll need to be provisionally accepted into a WGU program. Let’s explore some of the scholarship opportunities available at WGU.
Types of WGU Scholarships
Here are the different types of WGU scholarships:
General Scholarships
These scholarships are open to students enrolled in any of WGU’s degree programs. Examples include the Master Your Future Scholarship and the Chancellor’s Discretionary Scholarship.
Partner Scholarships
WGU partners with various organizations to offer scholarships to their members or employees. Examples include the DAVITA Nursing Clinical Support Scholarship and the SHRM Scholarship.
Industry-Specific Scholarships
WGU offers scholarships targeted to students pursuing degrees in high-demand fields, such as nursing, teaching, IT, and business. Examples include the Teaching Excellence Scholarship and the IT Scholarship.
What Scholarships Does WGU Offer?
WGU offers a variety of scholarships funded by donors and the university itself. Here are some examples:
- General Scholarships: Available to most students, such as the Online Access Scholarship (up to $2,500) and the New Year Scholarship (up to $2,500).
- Program-Specific Scholarships: Designed for students pursuing specific degrees, like the Become a Teacher Scholarship ($4,000) for aspiring educators.
- Employer-Sponsored Scholarships: Offered by companies in partnership with WGU, such as the SHRM Scholarship ($2,500) for Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) members.
Eligibility Criteria for WGU Scholarships
While WGU offers a wide range of scholarships, there are some general eligibility requirements to keep in mind:
- Admission Status: You must be provisionally accepted into a WGU degree program to be considered for scholarships.
- Application Window: Most scholarships have a specific application window, typically opening 90 days before your program start date and closing 30 days after. Current students can apply for scholarships after their first term is complete.
- Financial Need: Financial need is often considered for some scholarships, though not all. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is usually required if you’re eligible, but scholarships are still available for those who don’t qualify for federal aid.
- Academic Record: Some scholarships may consider your academic record, while others might prioritize factors like readiness for online learning or current competency in your chosen field.
- Specific Scholarship Requirements: Individual scholarships may have additional requirements specific to their purpose. Be sure to review the details of each scholarship you’re interested in for any unique criteria.
WGU employees and their families are not eligible for WGU scholarships due to the employee discount program.
Application process
Here’s good news! The application process for WGU scholarships is designed to be straightforward. Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved:
- Get Admitted: This is the first hurdle. You’ll need to complete the WGU admissions application and be provisionally accepted into a degree program. Your enrollment counselor can assist you with this process.
- Explore Scholarship Options: Once admitted, you’ll have access to the WGU scholarship webpage through your MyWGU student portal. This site provides information on all the available scholarships and includes a helpful scholarship search tool. You can filter options based on your program, eligibility, and deadlines.
- Review Requirements: Each scholarship has its own set of criteria, so take time to carefully review the details. This will ensure you meet the specific requirements and submit a strong application.
- Complete the Application: Most WGU scholarships can be applied for directly within the MyWGU portal. The application itself should be relatively simple, potentially requiring information like your academic background, any relevant work experience, and a short essay or statement.
- Submit on Time: Be mindful of the application deadlines! Most scholarships have a window that opens 90 days before your program start date and closes 30 days after. Don’t miss out by waiting too long.
Additional Tips
- Financial Aid: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is recommended, even if you don’t believe you’ll qualify for federal aid. This can help strengthen your application for need-based scholarships.
- Start Early: While applications are open for a period, it’s wise to explore your options and begin the process as soon as you’re admitted. This gives you time to gather any required documents and craft a compelling application.
- Contact WGU: If you have any questions or need clarification on the scholarship process, don’t hesitate to reach out to your enrollment counselor or the WGU financial aid office.
By following these steps and taking advantage of the resources available, you can increase your chances of securing a WGU scholarship to help make your educational goals a reality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Am I eligible for a WGU scholarship?
Eligibility requirements vary depending on the scholarship. Most scholarships are for new students and returning graduates, but some may have additional criteria.
How do I apply for a WGU scholarship?
The first step is to get admitted to WGU. Once accepted, you can access the scholarship application through your MyWGU student portal. The application window typically opens 90 days before your program start date and closes 30 days after.
Can I receive multiple WGU scholarships?
No, you can only receive one WGU scholarship per program enrollment.
What are the deadlines for applying for WGU scholarships?
Deadlines vary depending on the scholarship. However, most applications are due within 90 days before or 30 days after your program start date.
Where can I find more information about WGU scholarships?
Visit the WGU scholarship webpage [WGU scholarships ON Western Governors University wgu.edu] for a complete list of scholarships, eligibility requirements, and application instructions.
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